“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Our Progress
Timeline of Progress
2015
Concept and design of village with local architects and planners
2016
Fundraising campaign and search for ideal village site initiated. Construction manager identified.
February 2017
Land identified and first 95 acres purchased. Goal to purchase additional adjacent 500 acres when funding allows.
March 2017
Site preparation begins with road creation and clearing of land to start the site map. The first two wells are successfully hand-drilled by volunteers, providing drinking water.
Summer 2017
Continued work on the site to prepare for construction. The first brick structure was built for a pit latrine. Several crops were planted. Existing corn field harvested. Nearly 70 pounds of coffee harvested from existing coffee trees, subsequently roasted and packaged for sale. Also harvested cantaloupe, cabbage, and fruit from several trees.
September 2017
Four large canvas tents were installed for housing volunteers and construction workers.
October 2017
Purchased a brick-making machine to assist with the creation of uniform interlocking brick for the masonry construction of all of the buildings.
November 2017
The first few families moved to the new village property in temporary tent housing.
January 2018
Several animals were purchased, including 15 chickens, 2 pigs, milk goats, and 4 turkeys.
February 2018
The construction supervisor moved to the village property to oversee the construction projects. Additional drilling of wells started. Bricks constructed with brick machine.
March 2018
A brick shelter was constructed to serve as a gathering place and temporary worship house. Large 2-room storage facility constructed. New seasonal crops were planted. One additional family moved to the village site. Several children were placed in nearby schools with funding provided through existing Kids Inspiring Kids donors.
December 2018
Additional crops planted. Irrigation trenches were dug. Another foundational family moved onto PRV land. More animals were bred and purchased.
March 2019
Large borehole well drilled. 55m deep and producing a high capacity at 2500L/hr.
July 2019
A large volunteer group spent two weeks doing projects on PRV.
September 2019
First self-sustaining crop of maize harvested. 85k acquired after drying and grinding.
October 2019
Kids Inspiring Kids headquarters moved from Kampala to Mityana.
February 2020
Tomi Mills is in Uganda planning for future projects
March 2020
With Uganda on complete lockdown due to COVID-19, KIK continues to cultivate Place of Refuge Village for sustainability. Crops are being planted, animals are being cared for and the Character Training Program continues for the people.
July 2020
Due to COVID lockdowns, KIK was forced to restructure. Construction came to a halt. Food insecurity became a national issue. KIK provided necessary food and supplies to people in need. Out-of-work teachers were brought in to homeschool the KIK children.
August 2020
Director Tomi Mills escaped Uganda on a repatriated flight out of the country.
November 2020
Sustainability became a key focus for KIK as products and services remain difficult to procure and establish.
January 2021
Ugandan Presidential elections create additional instability for Uganda’s economy and industry.
August 2021
Construction begins again at Place of Refuge Village for Worker’s Housing. It is completed by the end of the year.
February 2022
Construction begins on the Ministry Headquarters and mission house for the orphans. It is completed by the end of the year.
January 2023
Uganda reopens schools, churches, etc. for the first time since COVID lockdowns.
March 2023
KIK sustains full-time Ugandan employment through self-sustainability projects like livestock and agriculture.
2024
For nearly two decades, Kids Inspiring Kids, Uganda has been a beacon of hope and transformation in E. Africa. Our mission has always been to inspire one generation to uplift the next, and we are thrilled that this mission has reached a remarkable milestone!
At Place of Refuge Village, the ground team has made incredible strides towards self-sufficiency. With their hard work cultivating crops, raising animals, and operating machinery, they are well on their way to a brighter, independent future.
Having successfully inspired the next generation, we believe it is time for us to pass the torch and officially close our Uganda branch. We have turned over the lands and structures to the Place of Refuge community, confident in their ability to continue the journey we started together.
While this chapter may be ending, our journey is far from over. Kids Inspiring Kids is setting its sights on new horizons, ready to embark on our next mission.
Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey and for your unwavering support. We can’t wait to share where we’re headed next!
Rest assured, for those who are supporting children’s education in Uganda, we remain fully committed to that mission. Your continued contributions are making a difference, and helping kids succeed in school. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us directly at tomi@kidsinspiringkids.org
Stay tuned for more exciting updates.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kids Inspiring Kids